See Why Openness and Flexibility are Key

The following blog post originally appeared on the Maidenhead Advertiser. You can view the original post here. Openness and flexibility are among the reasons why mobile giant Three has been ranked as one of the top employers in the country, according to a key figure at the company. The telecommunications firm, which has a head office in Grenfell Road in Maidenhead, came seventh on a list of the best places to work in the UK for 2015, compiled by job and career community Glassdoor. The list is unique in that it is based on anonymous reviews and ratings by the company's employees, which Glassdoor then converts into a ranking. Lesley Davies, director of people experience at Three, said she believes the list is significant because it provides 'an unedited version of what your employees think'. She added the company, which launched in 2003, was a 'firm believer in focusing on our people being happy' and the ranking, which was revealed last month, has taken pride of place on Three's recently-launched careers website to help attract the best candidates. A number of employees in Glassdoor's research described Three as 'fun' and went as far as to say it was like going to 'work within your extended family'. Lesley was keen to stress the firm aims to create a balance between fun and responsibility but said she believes openness and transparency in the company was key to keeping employees happy. "We focus on lots and lots of communication," said the 47-year-old. "The fact that [Three CEO] David Dyson has an approval rate off 97 per cent shows the visibility of the board around the place." Employees are encouraged to be honest and a whole wall of the staff canteen is devoted to a blackboard where ideas and suggestions can be made. A staff survey is also held once a year to identify improvements the company could make, while Three allows for flexible work arrangements, such as negotiating extra holiday. "People enjoy being with us first and foremost and bring their best talents to work," said Lesley. Three employs about 1,000 members of staff in Maidenhead and thousands more at shops and offices across the country.